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Lamine Yamal Shines with Perfect Performance as Spain Crush Croatia 4-1 in Nations League

Lamine Yamal put on a stunning show as Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The young star scored twice and assisted once, driving a commanding performance.

Spain took the lead almost immediately, with Yamal finishing off a cross from Álex Baena just two minutes into the match. Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo headed home after Ivan Perisic's assist, leveling the score unexpectedly.

Spain bounced back quickly. Marc Pubill gave them the advantage again three minutes later by heading in a corner from Yamal, putting Spain ahead 2-1 at halftime. The second half belonged to Spain, controlling 63.7% possession and stifling Croatia’s midfield. Yamal sealed his brace shortly after the hour mark, and substitute Nico Williams added a late goal to cement the victory, placing Spain atop Group 3.

Goalkeeper & Defence

  • Unai Simon: 6/10 - Quiet night with only two shots on target faced. Could not stop Beljo's header but managed his defense well thereafter.
  • Marc Pubill: 8/10 - Outstanding attacking effort, stretching Croatia’s defense. Scored with a timely header and defended solidly.
  • Pau Cubarsi: 7/10 - Calm and composed against physical threats, excellent passing helped maintain Spain's rhythm.
  • Dean Huijsen: 7/10 - Strong aerial presence and calm under pressure. Limited Croatia’s chances despite one defensive lapse.
  • Marc Cucurella: 7/10 - Energetic on attack with overlapping runs, balanced defense well to prevent counter threats.

Midfield

  • Martin Zubimendi: 7/10 - The team’s workhorse, controlled possession and broke up play before being subbed off at 72 minutes.
  • Fabian Ruiz: 7/10 - Mixed physicality with skillful play, effective in half-spaces, replaced by Pedri at 57 minutes.
  • Álex Baena: 8/10 - Key creative player, provided the opening assist, constantly troubled Croatia, booked before subbing out at 68 minutes.
  • Fermin Lopez: 7/10 - Industrious and disciplined, unlucky with a powerful shot hitting the post, left at 57 minutes.

Attack

  • Lamine Yamal: 10/10 - Flawless game, scoring early, assisting, and finishing the contest with a second goal. A nightmare for Croatia’s defense.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal: 6/10 - Played selflessly upfront, had a goal disallowed for offside, created space for teammates.

Substitutes & Manager

  • Pedri: 8/10 - Entered at 57 minutes, boosted creativity, assisted Yamal’s second goal.
  • Mikel Merino: 7/10 - Added toughness in midfield after coming on at 57 minutes, set up Williams’ late goal.
  • Nico Williams: 8/10 - Came on at 68 minutes, pressed relentlessly and scored a neat goal in the 89th minute.
  • Victor Muñoz: 6/10 - Replaced Yamal at 68 minutes, almost scored with a header, helped see out the win.
  • Rodri: 6/10 - Brief appearance from the 72nd minute, captained and steadied the team late on.
  • Luis de la Fuente: 9/10 - Trusted youth and tactics paid off perfectly. His substitutions sparked key moments and the win showcased squad depth.

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